Why Exceptional Customer Service Is the Cornerstone of Success for Independent Insurance Agents

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In the competitive world of insurance, one factor continues to separate thriving independent agents from the rest: exceptional customer service. For independent insurance agencies, happy clients aren’t just a bonus—they’re the heartbeat of the business. As a member of the ASNOA, you have access to advanced tools, marketing resources, and carrier relationships. But what truly … Read more

Helping Clients Weather the Storm:  How Agents Can Support Clients During a Predicted Severe Tornado Season

Independent insurance agents are often the first line of support for clients when disaster strikes. With meteorologists forecasting a more intense tornado season across the Midwest and South, it’s more important than ever to proactively assist clients before, during, and after severe weather events. Here’s how to offer exceptional value and strengthen relationships during these … Read more

Cost-Effective Coverage: Meeting Clients Where They Are

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It’s no secret that prices are up across industries due to the economic changes that have occurred over the past several years. Unfortunately, hard times may cause struggling individuals and families to opt out of insurance coverage in certain situations, or simply stay under-insured. This situation contributes to what’s known as the protection gap—the disparity … Read more

Path to Independence: Why Become an Independent Agent

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While there can be benefits to working exclusively for a single insurance company, there are also plenty of drawbacks of being “captive,” and limited to only selling one brand of products. When it comes to serving clients, it’s beneficial to be flexible on product and pricing options. If you’ve been a captive agent in the … Read more

How Imposing Tariffs on Imports Could Affect Insurance Premiums

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The Trump administration has vowed to impose tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada. This is likely to not only alter trade dynamics but indirectly drive up insurance premiums. While tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries by increasing the price of imports, they also raise the costs of raw materials, components, and finished … Read more

New Ideas for Marketing Your Agency in 2025

January is an excellent time to review your marketing strategy from the past year and revamp it for the year ahead. The rise of AI-enhanced analytics, virtual assistants, and personalized advertising has made it much easier to reach your ideal customer. These approaches are all about staying ahead of the curve, connecting with clients in … Read more

AI Technology and The Insurance Industry: Trends to Watch in 2025

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the technology built around it are already transforming the insurance industry, and it will only get bigger. AI will profoundly impact operations, customer interactions, and risk management practices in the coming years. Here’s a look at some key areas of impact, potential challenges, and the trends to watch for in 2025 … Read more

Reassessing Insurance Needs in an Era of Weather Uncertainty

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With the increase in natural disasters over the past several years, many are having to reassess weather-related risks and underwriting models. This is especially evident when unexpected events, like Hurricane Helene in September, impact areas not typically prone to such incidents. The Category 4 storm caused severe flooding and property damage throughout the southeastern United … Read more

The Importance of Attending Conferences & Trade Shows for Agency Success

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With rising travel costs and other expenses, you may question whether it’s worth the investment to attend industry conferences and trade shows. However, these events are crucial for staying competitive in tough economic times and fostering both personal and business growth. Here are ten reasons why attending a couple of them each year can be … Read more

M&A: Purchasing a Book of Business

Amidst a challenging economic landscape, purchasing a book of business from another agent can improve cash flow and accelerate growth significantly. It offers an agent immediate access to an established client base, massively boosting income for the agency and providing access to new markets. Here’s how to go about purchasing a book of business and … Read more